Wire caddy for transporting and dispensing wire or cable

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for the transportation and dispensing of spooled wire or cable, the apparatus including a handle structure wherein the handle structure has a first end and a second end, a first support structure attached to the first end of the handle structure, a second support structure attached to the second end of the handle structure, a first spool center insert attached to the first support structure, a second spool center insert attached to the second support structure, a first leg moveably attached to the first support structure, a second leg moveably attached to the second support structure, and wherein a spool of spooled wire or cable is attached to the first and second spool center inserts during transportation and dispensing of the spooled wire or cable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/404,460, filed May 6, 2019, which claims priority benefit to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/667,490, filed May 5, 2018, both of whichare incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus for transporting and dispensingwire or cable. More specifically, it relates to an adjustable wire caddyapparatus to attach to and assist in the transportation and dispensingof wire and cable from a variety of spool sizes.

2. Description of Related Art

Wires and cables used in housing and other industrial projects are oftenstored in devices that have an inner drum upon which the wire is spooledaround, commonly known as reels or spools. Reels or spools are a commonstorage unit to package and dispense hundreds of feet of wire or cable.The reels or spools are often manufactured from plastic or wood. Wirefrom a reel or spool is often installed in conduit and electrical boxesby being dispensed directly from the reel or spool. Often there is aneed to transport and dispense the reels or spools between certain areasaround the jobsite, including transporting the reel or spool to the topof tall structures. Electrical wire, especially wire with copperconductors, is very dense, and large lengths of it can become quiteheavy. Additionally, reels or spools are cumbersome and awkward tocarry, thus making manual transportation difficult.

Prior art solutions exist for unspooling wire, however, these solutionsare not designed for ease of carrying the reel or spool and do notprovide for transportation of multiple sized reels or spools. Prior artsolutions for the transportation of reels or spools include elevatorlifts and cranes that are used to transport many items at once. Thesesolutions are typically implemented with tall structures. Whilesuccessful at transporting the reel or spools, these solutions are oftenquite expensive, difficult to install, and are not often not readilyavailable until further into a construction project. Additionally, priorart carts are made specifically for transporting and holding wire spoolsduring unwinding, but they are large and expensive, and difficult tomove around the jobsite, especially if the jobsite is a tall structure.The prior art carts are often lifted by an elevator or crane when avertical movement in the location is necessary. Further, there areseveral packaging solutions that can solve the problems of transportingwire by hand and/or holding wire while installing, however, thesesolutions must be implemented by the wire manufacturer and are: bulky;heavy; not easily storable with other tools; not adjustable for multiplepacking sizes; not optimized for carrying and installing wire; and notrobust enough to hold up to wear, tear and weather on an open-air jobsite.

Therefore, a need exists for an inexpensive apparatus that allows theuser at a jobsite to easily attach the apparatus to a variety of sizedreels or spools and allows for the easy transportation and dispensing ofthe wire or cable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed at an apparatus for transporting anddispensing wire or cable wound on a reel or spool. The apparatusaccording to one embodiment is a wire caddy that includes: a telescopinghandle, two support structures, two spool center inserts for insertionin a spool, two moveable legs, the legs may be parallel with the twosupport structures during transportation of the spool and may beapproximately perpendicular to the two support structures whendispensing wire or cable. Additionally, a multiple spool insert in theshape of a cylinder may be attached to the two spool center inserts toallow multiple spools to be attached to the wire caddy apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description,will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appendeddrawings. For the purpose of illustration, there is shown in thedrawings certain embodiments of the present disclosure. It should beunderstood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a front, side and perspective views of one embodiment ofthe leg of the wire caddy apparatus.

FIG. 2 depicts a front, side and perspective views of one embodiment ofthe outer handle structure of the wire caddy apparatus.

FIG. 3 depicts a front, side and perspective views of one embodiment ofthe inner handle structure of the wire caddy apparatus.

FIG. 4 depicts a front, side and perspective views of one embodiment ofthe spool center insert of the wire caddy apparatus.

FIG. 5 depicts a front, side and perspective views of one embodiment ofthe support structure A of the wire caddy apparatus.

FIG. 6 depicts a front, side and perspective views of one embodiment ofthe support structure B of the wire caddy apparatus.

FIG. 7 depicts a front, side and perspective views of one embodiment ofthe wire caddy apparatus.

FIG. 8 depicts a front, side and perspective views of one embodiment ofthe multiple spool insert of the wire caddy apparatus.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus engaged with a spool.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus engaged with a spool.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus engaged with multiple spools.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus engaged with a spool.

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus engaged with a spool.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus.

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a partiallydisassembled wire caddy apparatus.

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus with an unattached multiple spool insert.

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus with the multiple spool insert engaged with a spool.

FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the wire caddyapparatus with an attached multiple spool insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining at least one disclosed embodiment of the invention indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and to the arrangements ofthe components set forth in the following description or illustrated inthe drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed are for purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

It should be understood that any one of the features of the inventionmay be used separately or in combination with other features. Othersystems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention willbe or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe drawings and the detailed description. It is intended that all suchadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included withinthis description, be within the scope of the present invention, and beprotected by accompanying claims.

The present disclosure is described below with reference to the Figuresin which various embodiments of the present invention are shown. Thesubject matter of the disclosure may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplaryembodiments set forth herein. It is also understood that the term “wire”is not limiting, and refers to wires, cables, electrical lines, or anyother materials that are dispensed from a reel.

The present invention provides for an apparatus for transporting spoolsof spooled wire and dispensing wire from the spool during installationof the wire. The apparatus is designed to make it easier to transportand dispense spools of wire on a jobsite. The apparatus is capable ofadjusting to multiple configurations to accommodate the different sizesof spools and reels. The apparatus allows a user to easily carry thespool by hand and lock the spool and apparatus in place duringinstallation.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-21, exemplary wire caddy apparatus 100 isshown. The apparatus 100 includes a telescoping adjustable handleincluding an outer handle structure 110 and an inner handle structure115. The handle is formed from two or more separate pieces, for examplethe outer handle structure 110 and the inner handle structure 115, thatwhen combined, form a complete handle. In one embodiment the handle isformed from a single, continuous piece of material and is designed for aspecific size spool and is not adjustable. The apparatus 100 may beformed from a wide variety of materials without detracting from thespirit of the invention including, but not limited to, plastic, metal,or wood. The handles of the apparatus 100 may be a variety of shapes,including, round and square, without detracting from the spirit of theinvention. At each side of the handle, support structure A 130 andsupport structure B 140 descend down from the handle and the distal endsof the support structures A 130 and B 140 connect with spool centerinserts 120 designed to fit in a reel arbor hole. Support structures A130 and B 140 are adjustable to allow for a variety of spool or reelsizes. When the handle is extended or disassembled, it can be placed oneither side of a spool or reel 200 and shortened/reassembled so that thespool center inserts 120 rest within the arbor hole of each flange ofthe reel 200. The apparatus 100 is locked in place allowing the reel tobe lifted by the handle with the full weight being supported by theapparatus.

The support structures A 130 and B 140 that connect the spool centerinserts 120 to the handle also act as storage for a leg 105. Once thespool or reel 200 is transported to a location and ready to dispense thewire or cable, the legs 105 are adjusted so that they are held at a90-degree angle from the support structures A 130 and B 140. At thispoint, the reel 200 is suspended off the ground with the handle and legs105 acting as feet, as is shown in FIG. 15. In this position, the reel200 can spin freely without obstruction and the wire can be dispensedwithout placing it on a second device. This reduces the amount of toolsyou need and the weight you need to transport to each location. When notin use, these legs 105 can be folded on the rotational axis and nestedinto the support structures A 130 and B 140. As shown in FIG. 14, leg105 is at approximately a 90-degree angle from support structure A 130while the other leg 105 is folded and nested into or placed against oradjacent to the support structure B 140. In another embodiment, when notin use, these legs 105 can be folded on the rotational axis and placedagainst the support structures A 130 and B 140. The legs 105 may be of aset length or may be adjustable to various length to accommodatemultiple sizes of reels 200. The legs 105 length may be adjusted withlocking pins or a pressure device, however, a wide variety of extensionand holding apparatus may be implemented without detracting from thespirit of the invention.

Locking pins 165 hold the adjustable handle and support structures A 130and B 140 in place. With regard to the handle, a pin hole 170 isprovided in the outer handle structure 110 and multiple pin holes 170are provided in the inner handle structure 115. The width of the handleis adjusted by moving the outer handle structure 110 over the innerhandle structure 115 so that the distance between the support structuresA 130 and B 140 is approximately equal to the width of the spool 200.The locking pin 165 is then inserted into the pin holes 170 for theouter handle structure 110 over the inner handle structure 115 once thespecific size is determined. In this embodiment, there are multiple pinholes 170 and locking locations for multiple sizes and widths of spools200. The handle can be held in position with a locking pin 165 or anylocking device, or held in any way possible such that the supports canbe moved and locked for multiple reel sizes. The length of the supportstructures A 130 and B 140 are also adjustable. Locking pins 165 and pinholes 170 can be implemented for the support structures A 130 and B 140.In this embodiment, an extension support is moved along the long axis ofthe support structures A 130 and B 140 to accommodate the depth of thespool 200. When the desired length is achieved, a locking pin 165 may beinserted in to the pin holes 170. In another embodiment, a pressuredevice is used to extend and lock the length of the support structures A130 and B 140. A wide variety of extension and holding apparatus may beimplemented without detracting from the spirit of the invention.

In one embodiment, a multiple spool insert 150 in the shape of acylindrical rod of smaller or equivalent diameter to the spool centerinserts 120 extends between each spool center insert 120 on each supportstructures A 130 and B 140. The multiple spool insert 150 is attachableand removable. The multiple spool insert 150 allows for multiple reelsor spools 200 to be carried at the same time by the apparatus 100 andallows for the wire or cable to be dispensed freely of the other spool200. The multiple spool insert 150 is attached to one of the spoolcenter inserts 120. One or more spools 200 are then placed over themultiple spool insert 150. Once all of the spools 200 have beenattached, the other spool center insert 120 is attached to the multiplespool insert 150.

In one embodiment, while the apparatus 100 is not being used, thesupport structures A 130 and B 140 may be removed or telescoped in allthe way to reduce size. The apparatus 100 is lightweight and easy tostore in a toolbox with other tools.

Although the invention is described herein with reference to specificembodiments, various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claimsbelow. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded inan illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of theinvention. Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that aredescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended tobe construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element ofany or all the claims.

From time-to-time, the invention is described herein in terms of theseexample embodiments. Description in terms of these embodiments isprovided to allow the various features and embodiments of the inventionto be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. Afterreading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art how the invention can be implemented in different andalternative environments. Unless defined otherwise, all technical andscientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs.

The preceding discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. The general principles describedherein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than thosedetailed below without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. The invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosedherein.

In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have beendisclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such featuremay be combined with one or more other features of the other embodimentsas may be desired. It is therefore, contemplated that the claims willcover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the truescope of the invention.

The various diagrams may depict an example architectural or otherconfiguration for the invention, which is done to aid in understandingthe features and functionality that can be included in the invention.The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architecturesor configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using avariety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it willbe apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional,logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implementedto implement the desired features of the invention. Also, a multitude ofdifferent constituent module names other than those depicted herein canbe applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flowdiagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in whichthe steps are presented herein shall not mandate that variousembodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in thesame order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one”, “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional”, “traditional”, “normal”,“standard”, “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read asrequiring that each and every one of those items be present in thegrouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or”should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, butrather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of theinvention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural iscontemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to thesingular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more”, “atleast”, “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and can further be distributedacross multiple locations.

Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used toarbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus,these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or otherprioritization of such elements.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification areherein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variationsof the described method and system of the invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe invention. Although the invention has been described in connectionwith specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that theinvention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specificembodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes forcarrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in thefield or any related fields are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for the transportation anddispensing of spooled wire or cable, the apparatus comprising: a handle,wherein the handle has a first end and a second end; a first spoolcenter insert attached to the first end of the handle; a second spoolcenter insert attached to the second end of the handle; a first legmoveably attached to the first end of the handle; and a second legmoveably attached to the second end of the handle, wherein the secondleg is movable independent of the first leg.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the handle further comprises: an outer handle structure witha hollow core; and an inner handle structure, wherein the inner handlestructure is inserted into a portion of the outer handle structurehollow core.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first spool centerinsert is attached to the inner handle structure and the second spoolcenter insert is attached to the outer handle structure.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the inner and outer handle structurescomprise locking holes.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising alocking pin, wherein the locking pin is inserted into the locking holesof the inner and outer handle structure when the locking holes arealigned.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second leglengths are adjustable.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstleg is moveably located adjacent to the first end of the handle and thesecond leg is moveably located adjacent to the second end of the handle.8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first leg is moveably locatedat approximately a 90-degree angle to the first end of the handle andthe second leg is moveably located at approximately a 90-degree angle tothe second end of the handle.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a multiple spool insert connected to the first and secondspool center inserts.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the multiplespool insert is inserted through the arbors of multiple spools ofspooled wire or cable.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the handleis implemented to move the multiple spools during transportation. 12.The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the multiple spool insert is acylindrical rod.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the multiplespool insert is of a smaller or equivalent diameter to the spool centerinserts.
 14. A spooled wire or cable system, the system comprising: ahandle, wherein the handle has a first end and a second end; a firstspool center insert attached to the first end of the handle; a secondspool center insert attached to the second end of the handle; a firstleg moveably attached to the first end of the handle; a second legmoveably attached to the second end of the handle, wherein the secondleg is movable independent of the first leg; and a spool of wire orcable removably attached to the first and second spool center inserts,wherein the spool of wire or cable has a first arbor hole opposite asecond arbor hole.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first andsecond spool center inserts are inserted into opposite arbor holes ofthe spool of wire or cable.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein thespool of wire or cable is elevated off the ground when the first andsecond legs and the handle are in contact with the ground.
 17. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the spool of wire or cable is on the groundwhen the first and second legs are in contact with the ground.
 18. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the spool of wire or cable is elevated offthe ground when the handle is in contact with the ground.
 19. The systemof claim 14, further comprising a multiple spool insert connected to thefirst and second spool center inserts.
 20. The system of claim 19,wherein the multiple spool insert is inserted through the arbors ofmultiple spools of wire or cable.